Donald Trump, the newly elected U.S. President, has tapped tech magnate Elon Musk to lead a newly proposed "Department of Government Efficiency." Joining Musk in this mission will be Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Trump, who had hinted at creating this role during his campaign, highlighted Musk and Ramaswamy as the perfect team to “dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and overhaul federal agencies.”

In a statement, Trump praised the duo’s abilities, saying, “Elon and Vivek will pave the way for a leaner, more efficient government and make life better for all Americans.” He emphasized that their mandate would be to target and eliminate “massive waste and fraud,” part of the broader goals of his “Save America” agenda.

Trump's admiration for Musk was clear throughout his campaign, often referring to him as an “amazing and super genius guy.” Musk, a high-profile backer of Trump, donated over $100 million to his re-election effort and actively campaigned in Pennsylvania, where his influence was widely noted. “A new star is born—Elon,” Trump declared during his victory speech, adding that Musk had personally connected with voters across Pennsylvania in the final weeks leading up to Election Day.

Since then, Musk’s involvement has only grown. On November 9, Trump reportedly invited Musk to join a call with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. During the conversation, Zelensky thanked Musk for his Starlink internet service, which has been critical in Ukraine, though the main discussion was between Trump and Zelensky.

With Musk and Ramaswamy poised to lead Trump’s anti-bureaucracy crusade, the forthcoming administration’s focus on efficiency and reform is clear. Their unconventional leadership aims to make federal operations faster, leaner, and, in Musk’s style, “built to last.”

An Iranian man, Farhad Shakeri, has been charged by the U.S. Justice Department in connection with an alleged plot by Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) to assassinate former President Donald Trump. Shakeri, 51, who U.S. authorities have identified as an “Iranian asset,” was reportedly tasked by the Iranian regime in October 2023 to orchestrate Trump’s killing. The plot, which was foiled before it could be executed, came after two previous assassination attempts on Trump’s life, including a bullet grazing his ear at a Pennsylvania rally in July 2023. A second attempt occurred later that year in Florida when shots were fired near Trump’s location, though he was unharmed.

Attorney General Merrick Garland confirmed the charges, stating that Shakeri was directed by the Iranian regime to lead a network of criminal associates to carry out the assassination. FBI Director Christopher Wray also commented on the case, highlighting the ongoing threats posed by the IRGC to U.S. citizens, including political leaders like Trump. The IRGC, designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government, has been accused of plotting to silence individuals critical of the Iranian regime.

Shakeri, who had immigrated to the U.S. as a child, was deported in 2008 after being convicted of robbery. Authorities believe he is currently in Iran. In addition to the Trump plot, Shakeri has been charged with hiring two men in New York, Carlisle Rivera and Jonathan Loadholt, to murder an Iranian-American who had publicly opposed the Iranian government.

With Trump’s return to the White House anticipated in January 2024, his security has been heightened, with robotic dogs now deployed to patrol his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump both expressed openness to holding talks following Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election. In a statement at the Valdai forum in Sochi, Putin congratulated Trump on his win, acknowledging the Republican tycoon’s success in defeating Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. When asked about the possibility of dialogue with the newly elected president, Putin responded simply, "Ready."

Trump, for his part, also signaled a willingness to engage in discussions with Putin. In an interview with NBC News, he revealed that he had already spoken with approximately 70 world leaders since his election results were announced, though he confirmed that a conversation with Putin had not yet taken place. The U.S. president-elect also noted that despite Putin’s earlier comments about preferring Kamala Harris to win, Moscow had long appreciated Trump’s anti-establishment stance and the disruptive influence he brought to both U.S. and global politics.

Putin’s comments highlighted his admiration for Trump’s resilience in the face of adversity. Referring to a recent assassination attempt on Trump during a rally, Putin described the U.S. leader as "courageous," emphasizing that extraordinary circumstances reveal a person’s true character. "He showed himself in a very correct manner, courageously. Like a man," Putin said.

The relationship between Trump and Putin has long been a subject of international intrigue. During Trump’s first term, Russia was accused of interfering in the 2016 U.S. presidential election to support his campaign, though the Kremlin denied these allegations. Furthermore, reports suggest that the two leaders had frequent private communications during Trump’s presidency, including instances where Trump reportedly sent Russia much-needed Covid-19 tests.

Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on his victory in the 2024 presidential election, calling for strengthened dialogue and cooperation between the world’s two largest economies. In a message on Thursday, Xi emphasized the need to properly manage differences and expand mutually beneficial collaboration, stressing that the relationship between China and the United States must be handled in a way that benefits both nations and the global community.

Xi underscored that the history of China-U.S. relations demonstrates the benefits of cooperation and the risks of confrontation. He urged both countries to strengthen communication, respect each other's core interests, and work toward a stable, sustainable relationship. “History teaches that China and the United States gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation,” Xi said, calling for a focus on mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. He expressed hope that the two countries would build a more stable partnership in the coming years, fostering cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, and regional security.

On the same day, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng congratulated J.D. Vance on his election as Vice President of the United States. Despite the cordial congratulatory messages, Beijing's response to Trump’s re-election was cautious, reflecting concerns over the ongoing trade tensions and broader geopolitical issues. During Trump’s first term, the U.S. imposed tariffs on over $380 billion worth of Chinese goods, a policy that Trump threatened to intensify in his second term.

The return of Trump to the White House raises uncertainties for China, particularly amid its economic slowdown. State-run media have suggested that the next four years could present opportunities to manage bilateral tensions, particularly on issues such as trade, Taiwan, and the South China Se

In a disturbing incident near Toronto, a Hindu temple was stormed by a group reportedly linked to "anti-India elements," leading to violent clashes with police and devotees. The Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton was the scene of unrest during Diwali celebrations when a mob attacked worshippers, prompting a strong condemnation from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He stated, “The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.”

Videos shared by journalists captured the chaos, showing police officers clashing with devotees who were waving Indian flags. Eyewitness accounts described officers using force against protesters, with one woman filming the altercation expressing concern as an officer appeared to strike a protester.

The incident has been framed within the context of rising tensions between Canada and India, particularly following Trudeau's allegations that India was involved in the assassination of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In response to the temple attack, the Indian embassy expressed disappointment, claiming the violence was orchestrated by "anti-India elements" and highlighting recent disruptions at similar events in Surrey and Vancouver.

As investigations continue, the events at the Hindu Sabha Mandir underscore the increasing challenges faced by faith communities amid broader geopolitical tensions.

The recent attack at a Hindu temple in Canada's Brampton has angered Indo-Canadians with a prominent member of the country's parliament saying the anti-India extremists have crossed a "red line".

"A red line has been crossed by Canadian Khalistani extremists today. The attack by Khalistanis on the Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the premises of the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton shows how deep and brazen has Khalistani violent extremism has become in Canada," Chandra Arya wrote on X this morning.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed a "tooth-breaking" response to Israel's ongoing military actions, heightening tensions in the region. His comments come on the heels of a recent Israeli commando raid in Lebanon and a series of confrontations linked to Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Khamenei emphasized that both the U.S. and Israel should expect a severe retaliation from Iran-aligned groups across the Middle East, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and factions in Yemen and Syria.

Kamal Kharrazi, a senior advisor to Khamenei, indicated that Iran might reconsider its nuclear policy if it perceives an existential threat, stating, "If an existential threat arises, Iran will modify its nuclear doctrine." This statement reflects Iran's ongoing tensions with Israel, which escalated after an October 1 missile strike from Iran was met with an Israeli bombing campaign on October 26, reportedly killing four Iranian soldiers.

In a separate incident, Israeli naval commandos captured a senior Hezbollah operative in Batroun, Lebanon, prompting condemnation from Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who called for a complaint to the United Nations.

As violence escalates, conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate. The World Health Organization reported a missile strike on a polio vaccination center that injured six, including children. Civilian casualties in Gaza have reportedly surpassed 43,000 since hostilities resumed. In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes have intensified, leading to nearly 2,000 deaths.

In response to these developments, the U.S. has deployed B-52 bombers to the region, warning Iran that Washington may not be able to restrain Israel should hostilities escalate further.

On National Unity Day, coinciding with Diwali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed concerns over national unity, asserting that certain factions are attempting to undermine it for political gain. Speaking near the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Kewadiya, Gujarat, Modi emphasized the importance of recognizing and countering these "urban Naxals" who, he claimed, are spreading misinformation and division, particularly in the context of caste.

Highlighting India’s growing global stature, he urged citizens to protect the nation’s unity. Modi criticized opposition groups, particularly the INDIA bloc, for promoting division under the guise of constitutional rights and caste representation. He stated that such politics seeks to keep India weak, countering with examples of his government’s initiatives aimed at fostering national integration, including the implementation of a 'one nation, one tax' system and the abrogation of Article 370, which he argued had long impeded progress.

Modi heralded the Aadhaar system as a representation of national identity and pointed to his government’s focus on inclusivity and development through various schemes. He emphasized that after 70 years of independence, a unified Constitution is finally being realized, and the recent elections in Jammu and Kashmir reflect a new era of equitable representation.

The Prime Minister reiterated that unity is essential for economic growth and social harmony, framing it as a prerequisite for achieving the nation’s goal of becoming a developed country. As the nation embarks on a two-year celebration of Patel's 150th birth anniversary, Modi called for collective progress, urging citizens to work together towards a united and prosperous India.

An Israeli airstrike early Tuesday hit a five-story building in the northern Gaza Strip, where displaced Palestinians were sheltering, resulting in at least 60 deaths, including many women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The strike occurred in Beit Lahiya, with Dr. Marwan al-Hams reporting that 17 individuals remain missing.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, announced the election of Sheikh Naim Kassem as its new leader after the death of Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike last month. Kassem, who served as Nasrallah's deputy for over 30 years, vowed to continue the group’s policies "until victory is achieved."

The Israeli military has conducted extensive operations in northern Gaza for over three weeks, targeting alleged Hamas militants. However, many civilians have been caught in the crossfire, leading to a growing humanitarian crisis. The Israeli military claims it aims for precision in its strikes while minimizing civilian casualties.

Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya from Kamal Adwan Hospital reported that the facility was overwhelmed with casualties from the latest strike, following a recent Israeli raid that resulted in the detention of numerous medical staff.

As tensions escalate, Israel's parliament passed laws that could restrict the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, further complicating the humanitarian situation. This military operation has reportedly resulted in over 43,000 Palestinian deaths, exacerbating fears among the population about ongoing military strategies that some believe could lead to mass displacement or further violence.

The conflict, which began after a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has seen significant casualties on both sides, heightening international concerns over the humanitarian impact of the ongoing violence.